BERNINA Jeff How to correct thread tension on your sewing machine fast and easy bobbin tension & top

How to set Bobbin Tension at Home and Tops to adjust top tension to make a good stitch.
If you have questions about sewing that we have not yet covered let us know and we are happy to share our knowledge and experience.
Shop here: Bernina-Jeff.myshopify.com
Visit my website www.hifashionGJ.com
970-256-1293 call the shop after 9:30am MST

[@notesfromleisa-land]

As usual, BJ demystifies tension issues. You are the first person demonstrating using the hook in addition to the case for the "drop" test. We are always admonished not to mess with the bobbin tension, but if you are sewing with different threads, it really is important. Plus, there is a reason they give us a little screwdriver to fit it! Needle size, thread weight/type, and upper/lower tension are inextricably linked.

[@connievance5763]

What a great video, I have been so frustrated trying to sew thick vinyl and had no idea how to take apart my bobbin case. Thank you!

[@patriciasciarrotta4455]

I have been having trouble with the tension on my machine for over a year now. I took it in for maintenance, but it didn’t solve my problem. Thank you so much for your informative video. I tightened my bottom tension, and now it’s sewing like a dream. You’re the best

[@janholman6192]

I didn't want to spend yet another $200 to have my machine fixed. So I adjusted my tension on the bobbin by screwing it counterclockwise and it now gives me beautiful stitches! Thank you.

[@sewsuite-embroidery2736]

The pipe cleaner to clear out the tension discs! Game changer! Thank you!!

[@cdayperry2701]

Bobbin on my machine was loose, problem solved! You’re the best, thank you.

[@emilyvanderploeg7167]

Thank you for the ONLY video on KZbin to properly explain how to TEST your bobbin tension on both machines. AND how to adjust them. You are awesome, subscribing! Please do a video on how to oil the machines and possibly fix skipped stitches. 🙏🏼

[@TaranArcher]

Bernina reps won't tell you this because they want you to pay them $250 to service your machine.

[@valeriehochstetler2754]

Thank you so much for this. I am in a far off country and it is difficult to get maintenance. This has made my Christmas delightful.

[@GS-ei3de]

I have learned more from you then any classes that I have attended from Bernina. Thank you for being such a great instructor👍

[@sheilazimmerman2734]

Thank you for the tips on adjusting the bobbin tension. My machine was "acting up" the other day, and this helped me correct it.

[@hedyhahn4727]

Thank you for this video. Hubby and I watched it twice then took the iPad into the sewing room to watch as we fixed the tension. Hubby said my bobbin tension was way off even though the stitches looked great, it was my top thread that was awful. But we fixed it!

[@annamaclennan8125]

Thank you Jeff, a 10 second watch, and I've never had such great machine tension!!

[@debbiemiller1540]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I kept trying to adjust the tension on the top but didn’t know I could I adjust the tension on bobbin. I like the little “ hanging the bobbin” trick. When I did that my bobbin didn’t even move. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@marilynsherman4897]

Never new I was supposed to oil bobbin area after every 4 bobbins. 30 years old, will do it tomorrow

[@marianna6926]

This is great info. I never knew how to test the bobbin tension on my drop in bobbin machine . Now I do. Thank you. 🙂

[@janeedagerman1316]

Oh, you are so clear and easy to understand! Pipe cleaner: my machines and I are grinning with glee! Thank you for unraveling, for me, this 65 year old knotty problem.

[@shannonfranzenrealtor3037]

Thank you! This fixed my tension issue, so easy. No trip to the store.

[@briancaven7265]

Thank You Jeff! This helped a huge headache with a used Bernina 220 that was stitching on the wrong side of the fabric. Turns out the bobbin tension spring was about to fall off. Perfect stitches now!

[@cr2884]

Jeff, I purchased my new 770qe a year + ago. Finally able to use it. My screen froze and I made due since so far from service, until I found this video.. thank you, thank you, Thank You!

[@nancycox3318]

Thank you! I had tried everything I could think of and after watching your video I found a thread caught in the workings of the bobbin. After removing it my tension is fine!

[@jodiegrace2849]

Great video wish I could buy your awesome oiling container as I'm in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺. I searched this topic as u just got a Bernette 330 which has huge tension problems. This video has given me confidence to now systematically work out what's happening with the birds nests.

[@camicri4263]

I will definitely try this! I had no idea how to do it and all the thread bunches under the fabric and all I have is a big clump. Thanks a lot!

[@Normit08]

This help me so much with my Old Frister Rossman. A lot of other videos do the drop test without the hook for testing bobbin tension. However this wasn’t working for me. Adding the hook is what corrected it for me :)

[@oliviagarriock9772]

This is SUCH a good video!! So clear and it absolutely saved me and my machine (my sanity and my machine's tension!) I couldn't for the life of me work out what was going wrong until I found this video. Thank you Jeff!

[@berninajeff]

Glad it helped!

[@annebrown9507]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video. I was able to solve the issue with the stitching!

[@lindastewart5630]

Thank you so much for your wonderful videos.. I only found you very recently and I’m so glad I did- what a brilliant channel. I was having probs with my bobbin thread- now I’m not!👌🏻🤗🙌🏻

[@sagewiseloner6355]

You are a genius my friend ... I am yet to attempt your method but I will here applaud its ingenuity

[@sunshinejenny5536]

Hi Jeff!! I used to live in GJ and went to your shop. Now, in FL. Your videos are very clear. I am so glad you have a YT Channel. Now, you are famous. LOL

[@annedavenport7502]

Thanks much for the help. I have also found that sometimes I just have to re-thread the machine when the tension acts up for my machine. Sometimes the thread doesn't go into the slot right and re-threading is just the only things to do.

[@sallywilloughby6762]

Thankyou! I have been using my Bernina for 40 years and have finally learnt how to fix the tension thanks to your video. I

[@berninajeff]

Glad to help

[@kfaz3979]

Thank you sooooo much!! Totally fixed my tension problem!! Learned a couple things from you tonight! Awesome and informative video! :))

[@michaelcutler9675]

Thank you for your very informative video I was able to fix my wife's machine quickly and accurately.

[@Faloola]

Hi Jeff - your videos are so helpful. Please do an updated video on adjusting the tension on the newer machines that have a full circular hook (like Bernina 790 Plus). I live abroad and my dealer service centre was not that familiar with my high end machine and was turning the screw on my bobbin case and now I am left with tension issues that I didn’t have before. Sadly, the machine wasn’t brought in for tension issues and had a larger issue with a faulty thread cutter but before diagnosing the real problem he went straight to the bobbin case and started turning the screw. Please help! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Also, I just bought a whole bunch of your recommended items from your shopify account and sent it to my mom’s in Canada where I will pick it up at Christmas. Very excited!

[@joanncorbett4775]

Thank you. This fixed my problem! So glad I found your video.

[@MeighanOToole]

This is such a great, informative video. I’m getting back to sewing after a few years and this helped and taught me so much!!

[@elainelear4982]

THANK YOU. I corrected the tension on a Bernette 90e Nd the zigzag test is perfect. Wow, wow, wow.

[@reginaharrison]

This was so helpful! Now my Bernette 740E actually sews perfectly, finally. 😊

[@solarwinds-]

VERY helpful. The dealership told me to never adjust the tension and I got ugly stiches. Your video showed they were wrong. Thanks for the video, very helpful. Will be adjusting now.

[@berninajeff]

Welcome

[@TaranArcher]

That's because they want you to pay them $250 to service your machine, IMO.

[@solarwinds-]

@@TaranArcherNo, they charge $100 but they were still wrong and you were right.

[@joannenonweiler4051]

Thanks, great tips. This has fixed my problem with tension.

[@christinecoppen3245]

brilliant video i have been having trouble with Bernina tension never new abt screw on bobbin to tighten or loosen. again thank you i have subscribed

[@vickiegossett7214]

I have a Brother machine just like that one! I learn so much from you. Thank you!

[@gracestudioco]

Thankyou this really helped me. So kind of you to share. 🙏🏻

[@joysarnowski8782]

You helped me and my relic so much! Thank you!! 🙏🏼

[@NHales]

Thank you so much, most grateful for this! Has just worked a treat,I really wasn't sure how to address this issue previously🙏

[@berninajeff]

Glad it helped!

[@haloweenparty10000]

Thank you! This fixed the issue I was having.

[@cherylmoore3130]

You’re amazing, you’ve helped me so much, thank you!

[@maggsrichards7513]

Thanks. Made such a difference to my machine!

[@juru9402]

I don't have any idea where I can get my machine cleaned for $99, that would be seriously cheap nowadays. Anyway, thanks for the great lesson! I adjusted my bobbin tension so it would just hang there by the thread and drop if I bounced it but still had bad problems. It's the hook that makes the magic! Turns out that without the hook on it the tension was much too loose. Thank you so much for the great information. Just re-adjusted the bobbin and it's working like a dream. Saved me not $99, but $150. Not quite sure enough to change my mind though about not buying another Bernina. IMO they don't stand behind their product. I now have 4 plastic parts that have broken, one of which is the Bernina Stitch Regulator! And I'm not replacing it for that price. So I'll make do without my magnifier or my BSR. Next machine may very well not be a Bernina.

[@stevendow2606]

What do you mean 'without the hook on it the tension was much too loose.' What hook? I'm new to sewing, but interested.

[@LuzdeLuna90]

Thank you sooo much !!!!! 🥰🥰🥰 my machine is fixed!!!!!

[@lindathornburg2078]

I fixed my problem. Thank you!!!

[@Jennifer2O23]

I found this very useful. Thank you very much 😁

[@CaliCuba6]

I am so grateful 🙏🏽 thankyou thankyou thank you. Stitching was so loopy on thicker fabric & tension adjustment made no difference. I’m not sure what magically fixed things, maybe the oil on the bobbin hook but machine now is quieter & tension looks great 😀 Are there other recommended locations on machine that need regular oiling? Thanks for your great work, no recommended service centres where I live & easy service we can do ourselves saves sanity as well as $. Thanks again

[@harrycaul2494]

Thank you for this. That tip is valuable!

[@melaniebang4786]

Seriously helpful! Thanks!

[@LizDelaney3]

Thanks so much for this. Most helpful.

[@brysonwest93]

Thank you! Good information and very well presented.

[@berninajeff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1224115]

Thank you so much. Im learning.

[@hajalameh]

Thank you Jeff.

[@miekedeschutter2962]

Could you please help me with a Bernina zipper foot? I have an old bernina from 1966. Your explainayion is always so clear. Thanks and have a nice day. Kind regards from Mieke

[@marcwheeler4406]

I know ...lol I've had a hard time finding info on this type of necchi, I think when my mom bought it for me she knew I was interested in working on leather, but i still wanted to use it for fabric, the sewing shop she bought it from doesnt even carry this necchi any more... this is a bit particular in that i cant trouble shoot to see if it's me or a wonky machine I'll try your troubleshooting a few times crossing my fingers that I atleast narrowed the issues,with your info mayhaps I cant correct issue....stay safe...😷✌

[@melitpena3314]

Thank you, You were very helpful🪡🧵

[@bernicemarie7243]

Thanks🎉🎉🎉 this is very helpful. 😊

[@audreyweigel4620]

Love it, needed it!

[@user-ww6xw9iu1w]

Do you have or could you do a video on adjusting the bobbin winder tension on the bernette 7x series?

[@alluraromel392]

Have you used a Towa Tension Gauge to help adjust the bobbin tension? I have a Bernina 590 & switch between upholstery, outdoor & Mettler threads. Since I sew on a wide variety of materials like Vinyl pet mesh, Neoprene, Isinglass and regular garment fabrics I’m constantly trying to find the correct tension. Could the Towa be used with both my Bernina 590 & my Brother Stellaire? Since they have different bobbin systems.

[@ImGinaMarie]

I have to get a quilt done before Christmas and am running out of time, I'm having problems with free motion quilting on my Bernina 330 using Mono Poly Polyester fine thread...Should I not use this type of thread? It supposed to be good for free motion I'm not sure where to set my tension to or if it should not be used at all. Thanks

[@kimlaffont9951]

Hi Jeff, I have a Bernina 950 and the handwheel came off. I have two washers (1 metal, 1 plastic) and a little device with three pins on it. I'm not sure how to put it back together. Can you help? Thanks.

[@TaranArcher]

Does this also apply to a Bernina 535? I can't find any info in the manual, dealer website, or online for correcting bobbin tension on my 535.

[@baveld]

I have a 440 QE. I just bought it as my first bernina. I don't have that metal circle that you put over the bobbin. am I missing something?

[@Red1831B]

I have learned much from you but am looking for a reason why when I sew strips of cotton fabric together, the edge ends up a bit wavy. Then I go to sew it to the next strip and it can be as much as 1” shorter in length. Thought it was a bobbin tension issue and did as you instructed. Strips still not flat enough. Second question. I did a zig zag and it starts out fine and then pulls the fabric to the center creating a ridge down the middle. Please help. I use quality thread and quality cotton fabric.

[@debrawelch3962]

Thanks

[@vickijeanne9958]

Bernina 640 has right distorted lines vertically, can you advise please?

[@lauriegraham1706]

HELP! I have a Bernina 930 given to me by a friend. I haven't had any problems with it until today. The top thread is getting all messed up underneath the fabric. The only different is I broke the needle and put in a Singer, as I didnt have Bernina needles. After that, it worked fine for a couple of yards of sewing. I've played with the tension to no avail. Is it the needle?

[@thelmajones6733]

For best demonstrating bad or best tension, I suggest white fabric, red in bobbin, and another bright color on top. Maladjustment will be obvious.

[@vshazam]

4:55 question about how the top tension should be about 5x more than the bottom. Does that mean you can weigh the bobbin and hook assembly, multiply by 5, then attach that amount of weight to the top thread and it should just barely hang there like the bobbin test?

[@camicri4263]

Hi Jeff, I have a bernina 1000 it probably an old one. Is this one fixing the same way?

[@kplicanic]

Another helpful video! In my experience, the screw for bobbin tension is purposely inaccessible... why is this? i suppose they don't want people fiddling with it?

[@MultiCameron001]

How hard is it for a novice to replace the motor belt in a bernina favorit. Looking for a tutorial and I don’t see one. 🥲. I love your info.

[@elbacortes6798]

I have a bernette 705 and I have not use for years it was giving to me. And it sewed for a few minutes buy the bottom lines was loss. So I try to change the number now it will not sew. What can I do need help

[@renepadilla1619]

Love the videos. Does anyone know how to keep the thread from coming out from behind the wobbly pin on the Bernina B780.? My thread keeps coming out and breaking. I’ve checked tension but it doesn’t stay behind the the little pin. Thanks.

[@berninajeff]

That pin assembly gets bent a fresh unit will keep the thread in. Look into having it replaced I have tried to re bend the unit but it is never as good as a new one

[@journeywiththelight5284]

Interesting info!

[@Jessiesilverliningembroidery]

I have the Bernina B500, the way they show you to load the bobbin. It turns anti-clockwise when pulling the thread. Can you possibly do a video on that model. Please? Thanks so much for your content. Also do you know of anyone reputable to service machines near Denver? (I am in the mountains-breckenridge) If I take it in to Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum, it takes 4 weeks. Thanks Jessie

[@Jessiesilverliningembroidery]

I forgot to mention it is a Bernina B500 embroidery machine only.

[@patsorbello7440]

Had a 1010 error, the problem was a screw fell off the back of my foot and must have fallen down into the machine when I changed my foot plate. I am going to remove all my screws and put them into a case.

[@lesacannon642]

Where do you get the tiny screwdriver?

[@sarrah6473]

Why the upper coordonnet thread is entangled in the shuttle causing knots ?

[@sharonbaldoni5908]

hi Jeff- i don't have a Brother, I have a Bernina and there is quite a difference as there is no way to remove the case so easily.

[@brendahamrick9337]

Jeff I keep getting an error with an orange foot and an equal signflashing

[@rondayoder6218]

I have a 75th Anniversary edition Bernina and I can't remove the ring like that. Is there instructions for how to remove my style? I'd like to clean behind it. I took canned air to it, but I'm sure it could be cleaner.

[@berninajeff]

Yes the Bernina 1000 will correct the same way

[@barbarabradshaw8010]

What causes slanted stitches every 6 or so stitches while sewing straight? Then it will sew straight for a few then 6 or slanted again.

[@andreigland3177]

How many grams are that ? On the last bobbin you are adjusting

[@jennyamessler3805]

Loved the video but thought BERNINA sewing machines were involved given the title.

[@marilynsherman4897]

Will oil bobbin tomorrow

[@samanthahofer9017]

Is it possible to have tension problems with a brand new machine

[@berninajeff]

Not from me I test sew every machine leaving my shop. Take it back

[@sarrah6473]

Why does the upper coordnonnet thread is entangled in the shuttle?

[@berninajeff]

I do not know what "coordnonnet thread" is maybe heavy? try increasing upper tension to 7

[@ginamisramusic]

When I adjust the tension on the bobbin nothing changes. When I adjust the tension on the top it gets worse or nothing changes. It all got worse when I tried to put a foot on it that didn't fit. Something is very wrong and I hope I didn't ruin the machine. I have the zigzag stitch looking like yours does when you say the top tension is too loose -- that seemed counterintuitive. It looks too tight. And this suspicion was confirmed when I tried to tighten the top tension and it got much much worse. I don't want to over-tighten the bobbin to compensate. The bobbin drops as it does in your video -- I don't want to turn it more. What else could be going on? The nearest shop is an hour drive away and I'd rather avoid that if I can.

[@Jennifer2O23]

I have another problem now, my bobbin is unwinding inside the case while I am sewing ....very confusing and frustrating and disappointing. Please, do you have any suggestions?

[@berninajeff]

Just to make sure, when you filled the bobbin you put the bobbin on the post with the silver mirrors down. I have seen the bobbin unwind inside the case only while doing ruler work with templates. Bernina makes a gold bobbin case to help prevent this they cost about $100 but that will not always solve the problem. Make sure you start sewing with fabric under the needle and never sew off the fabric and don’t use the cutter without fabric under the needle.

[@Jennifer2O23]

Hi Fashion Sewing Machines & Quilt Bernina Jeff thank you very much for your prompt help. Your experience is backing up what I’ve found....the machine works perfectly with regular feet and bsr plugged in. The unraveling happens when I use feet #9 and #24. I did try the ruler foot#72 briefly and had no problems...yet...maybe maybe not... Will be grateful for what’s working well 😁😁😁

[@marcwheeler4406]

Do you have any videos on top thread troubleshooting I seen alot of videos and I have a necchi 3610, my directions that came with machine are blurry. So I've been so lucky to have ytube to learn thru, also lucky I've got a recondition Samsung phone to get ytube video such as yours...I've tried to trouble shoot thru other videos I've taken bobbin case off and replace back onthen after i troubled shooted that area then also feet plate off to ck for debris, that was funny case my screwdriver to big to unscrew had to watch a video how other people took screws off...lol. ..I've rewound and threaded both threads then I've change to two different colors to see where is issue could be top or bottom and found it's my top thread that birdnesting on bottom of fabric( due to color ended up there),that was a great idea to do different colors from another video, so what can I look for now? I've turned up tension I get a knocking noise after few stitches, I'm ready to take it into shop but I'd like to give it one more try of trouble shooting ideas so I dont look completely clueless when I explain what I've looked for to the gentleman at sew shop...it was in my box unopened for four years cause I was afraid of my sewing machine but with wonderful people such as yourself and finding out about ytube videos and others you've made the machine less intimidating..lol, I keep telling myself I wont let the machine defeat me even if it takes a year I will overcome and become a competent machine sewer....thank you for any help you could give me I really appreciate this I have a disability and just wanted to help those who need help at this time by thru making pretty stuff for them to make them smile...showing that americans do care about essential workers and we all add to our society no matter job, ethnicity,or religion.... 😷✌🕊👋🧵

[@berninajeff]

I searched for a picture of this model on eBay and could not find one so I am not able to help you without that reference. Loops under the fabric are 99% upper tension issues. thread it and lower the foot and then pull the thread if it does not have tension enough to bend the needle then thats your problem.

[@carpediem-sp3pp]

hi. can you help me fix my 1260? thank you.

[@berninajeff]

1260's are a little complicated to fix over the phone but I will give it a try call my shop 970-256-1293

[@lonnieanderson4408]

My machine is an 830 computerized machine.the bobbin is beautiful but the top is not good at all